Horticulture
The production horticulture industry offers a diverse range of work opportunities with fruits, vegetables, flowers and nursery plants produced from the South to the North of Western Australia.
Activities where extra workers are required mostly include the harvesting
of crops, thinning fruit on the trees, preparation and packaging for sale
and maintenance of the plants, for example pruning. Some activities such
as pruning require higher skill level and more responsibility but all positions
provide a good opportunity for financial reward.
Work requirements
Skills required will vary for each crop and activity with training typically conducted onsite. Most seasonal employment positions do not require prior experience. Work within the horticulture industry can be quite physical and involve working outdoors. You may be required to climb ladders, sit or kneel for long periods and carry bags/containers of produce. You will need to be flexible with work hours and be conscious of produce quality.
Some properties may provide accommodation. It is important to ensure you
are eligible to work in Australia, and have obtained an Australian Tax
File Number. Contact the Department of Immigration & Citizenship www.immi.gov.au,
the Australian Taxation Office www.ato.gov.au or
the Australian WorkPlace site www.workplace.gov.au for
further information on working in Australia.
Training
Training for seasonal positions is typically conducted onsite. To establish a longer term career in the Horticulture industry contact the WA Primary Industry Training Council for information on New Apprenticeships and other industry training on (08) 9359 4000, admin@wapitc.org or visit www.wapitc.org.Where to find seasonal work
Seasonal work in horticulture is often advertised through word of mouth so it is a good idea to talk to people involved in the local industry such as farm owners/workers, rural merchandise agents or backpacker hostels.
Job Network (To find an Australian Government Employment Service provider
in your area) 13 62 68 www.jobnetwork.gov.au
The West Australian newspaper (look under R for Rural Employment) www.thewest.com.au
The Countryman, Farm Weekly or local newspapers Visit the local Telecentre,
Shire Council or Tourist Bureau for contacts in the local industry www.telecentres.wa.gov.au
The National Harvest Labour Information Service 1800 062 332 www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail
Workabout Australia (02) 6884 7777 www.workaboutaustralia.com.au
PGA Personnel (08) 9479 4544 www.pgapersonnel.org.au
Careerjet www.careerjet.com.au
The Job Shop (08) 9228 1457 www.thejobshop.com.au
Calendar of work
Region |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
South West |
BE |
BE |
BE |
BC |
BC |
C |
C |
C |
BC |
BC |
BCE |
BCE |
Manjimup |
Bd |
Bd |
Bd |
Bd |
Bd |
DA |
DA |
A |
B |
B |
B |
B |
Dwellingup, Harvey |
D |
D |
D |
D |
|
A |
A |
A |
|
|
|
D |
Donnybrook |
D |
D |
D |
D |
D |
AD |
A |
A |
|
|
|
|
Great Southern |
BE |
BE |
B |
B |
B |
C |
C |
BC |
B |
B |
BE |
BE |
Perth & surrounds |
G |
G |
GH |
GH |
GH |
G |
G |
GEH |
EH |
EH |
GEH |
GH |
Bindoon, |
|
|
C |
C |
C |
C |
CF |
CF |
CF |
CF |
CF |
|
Midwest |
|
|
C |
C |
C |
|
|
|
|
K |
K |
K |
Gascoyne |
J |
J |
J |
J |
J |
BJ |
BJ |
BJ |
BJ |
BIJ |
BIJ |
BJ |
Kimberley |
L |
LM |
JLM |
JLM |
JM |
JMK |
JMK |
JMK |
JK |
JL |
LKB |
L |
A = Citrus, apple, pear and stone fruit pruning
B = Vegetables
C = Olive harvest and pruning
D = Citrus, apple, pear and stone fruit harvest
E = Berry harvest L Mango picking and pruning
F = Citrus and stone fruit harvest
G = Apple, pear & stone fruit harvest & pruning
H = Nursery (tree, orchard & ornamentals)
I = Stone fruit Harvest
J = Banana harvest and pruning
K = Melons and pumpkins
M = Citrus harvest
N = Corn harvest
for W.A.